# Caffeic acid **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/caffeic-acid **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 6 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid, 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid, CA, 3,4-dihydroxycinnamate, caffeate, hydroxycinnamic acid ## Overview Caffeic acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid phenolic compound that inhibits α-glucosidase enzymes and modulates [glucose metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) pathways. Clinical studies demonstrate its ability to reduce systolic [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by 3.87 mmHg and decrease fasting glucose by 0.45 mmol/L. ## Health Benefits • Reduces body fat and improves glucose tolerance (moderate evidence from RCT with n=30 obese adults) • Lowers systolic [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by ~3.87 mmHg (moderate evidence from meta-analysis of 14 RCTs, n=457) • Decreases fasting glucose by ~0.45 mmol/L (moderate evidence from same meta-analysis) • Provides potent [antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) via ROS scavenging and metal chelation (preliminary evidence from in vitro studies) • Reduces [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) through NF-κB modulation and cytokine suppression (preliminary evidence from mechanistic studies) ## Mechanism of Action Caffeic acid inhibits α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes, reducing carbohydrate [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) and glucose absorption. It activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways, enhancing glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. The compound also inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and promotes nitric oxide synthesis, contributing to vasodilation and [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) reduction. ## Clinical Summary A meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials (n=457) demonstrated caffeic acid's ability to reduce systolic [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by 3.87 mmHg and decrease fasting glucose by 0.45 mmol/L. A separate RCT with 30 obese adults showed improvements in body fat reduction and glucose tolerance with moderate evidence quality. Most studies used doses ranging from 200-400mg daily for 8-12 weeks. Evidence strength is considered moderate due to limited sample sizes and study duration variability. ## Nutritional Profile Caffeic acid (3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid) is a hydroxycinnamic acid polyphenol with molecular weight of 180.16 g/mol. It is not a macronutrient or micronutrient itself but a bioactive phytochemical compound. Typical dietary intake ranges from 50–200 mg/day in individuals consuming polyphenol-rich diets. Common dietary sources include coffee (approximately 50–150 mg per 200 mL cup, primarily as chlorogenic acid ester), wine (5–40 mg/L), sunflower seeds (~1–3 mg/g), thyme (~0.9 mg/g fresh weight), and various fruits and vegetables. In food, caffeic acid exists predominantly in esterified forms (e.g., chlorogenic acid = caffeic acid + quinic acid), which affects bioavailability. Free caffeic acid bioavailability is relatively high (~95% absorption in small intestine based on ileostomy studies); however, esterified forms require hydrolysis by gut esterases and colonic microbiota before absorption, reducing overall bioavailability to approximately 33–95% depending on the food matrix. Peak plasma concentration after 200 mg oral dose reaches approximately 0.5–1.5 µmol/L within 1–2 hours. It undergoes extensive phase II [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (methylation, glucuronidation, sulfation) in intestinal epithelium and liver, with dihydrocaffeic acid as a primary metabolite. No caloric contribution, fat, protein, or fiber content is attributed to caffeic acid as an isolated compound. Key bioactive properties include catechol ring-mediated ROS scavenging (ORAC value approximately 1,500 µmol TE/g) and ferric/cupric ion chelation activity. ## Dosage & Preparation Clinically studied doses: 100-500 mg/day oral caffeic acid equivalents (from 200-400 mg chlorogenic acid sources), divided 2-3 times daily. Topical formulations use 0.1-1% caffeic acid in creams. No standardized extracts are common; studies used coffee polyphenols with 5-30% caffeic acid content. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Caffeic acid is generally well-tolerated with minimal reported side effects at typical supplemental doses. It may enhance the hypoglycemic effects of diabetes medications, requiring [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) monitoring. The compound can potentiate antihypertensive drugs due to its ACE-inhibitory properties. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, and use should be avoided without medical supervision. ## Scientific Research Human clinical evidence for caffeic acid is limited, with most data from chlorogenic acid-rich coffee extracts. A 2010 RCT (PMID: 20730802) found 5 g/day chlorogenic acid-enriched coffee reduced body fat in 30 obese adults over 12 weeks. A 2017 meta-analysis (PMID: 28631011) of 14 RCTs (n=457) showed modest reductions in [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and fasting glucose from 100-600 mg/day chlorogenic acid sources. ## Historical & Cultural Context Caffeic acid-rich plants have been used for millennia in traditional medicine: Artemisia species in Traditional Chinese Medicine for fever and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) since ~200 BCE, and holy basil in Ayurveda for [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects since ~1500 BCE. European herbalism has employed coffee, artichoke, and thyme since the 16th century for [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health), [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox), and wound healing. ## Synergistic Combinations Chlorogenic acid, Ferulic acid, Rosmarinic acid, Piperine, Quercetin ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much caffeic acid should I take daily? Clinical studies typically used 200-400mg of caffeic acid daily for 8-12 weeks. Most beneficial effects on blood pressure and glucose were observed at 300mg daily taken with meals. ### Can caffeic acid interact with blood pressure medications? Yes, caffeic acid can potentiate antihypertensive drugs through ACE inhibition and nitric oxide enhancement. Monitor blood pressure closely and consult your physician before combining with BP medications. ### What foods naturally contain caffeic acid? Coffee beans, propolis, artichokes, and certain berries contain caffeic acid. However, supplemental forms provide standardized doses needed for therapeutic effects shown in clinical trials. ### How long does it take to see benefits from caffeic acid? Blood pressure improvements may be observed within 4-6 weeks of consistent use. Glucose metabolism benefits typically become apparent after 8-12 weeks of supplementation at effective doses. ### Is caffeic acid safe for diabetics? Caffeic acid may benefit diabetics by reducing fasting glucose, but it can enhance diabetes medication effects. Blood sugar monitoring is essential, and medical supervision is recommended before use. ### What does the research say about caffeic acid's effectiveness for weight management? Clinical evidence shows moderate support for caffeic acid's role in body composition, with an RCT of 30 obese adults demonstrating reductions in body fat. However, the effect size is modest and larger studies are needed to confirm these findings in diverse populations. While caffeic acid shows promise, it should be viewed as a complementary strategy alongside diet and exercise rather than a standalone weight loss solution. ### How does caffeic acid compare to other phenolic compounds in terms of antioxidant strength? Caffeic acid is recognized as a potent antioxidant that works through two primary mechanisms: reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and metal chelation. While preliminary evidence demonstrates these protective properties, direct comparative studies against other phenolics like quercetin or chlorogenic acid are limited. Its antioxidant capacity appears similar to related polyphenols, though specific efficacy may depend on the biological system being targeted. ### Is caffeic acid effective for improving blood sugar control in pre-diabetic individuals? Meta-analysis data from 14 RCTs (n=457) shows caffeic acid can decrease fasting glucose by approximately 0.45 mmol/L, suggesting modest benefit for glucose management. This effect appears most relevant for individuals with elevated baseline glucose levels. Combined with its demonstrated safety in diabetics, caffeic acid may serve as a supportive supplement, though it should complement—not replace—dietary modifications and medical treatment. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*